Blurb:Wealthy students from across the galaxy come to learn at the prestigious academy where Hugo toils as a watchmaker. But he is one of the lucky ones. Many androids like him are jobless and homeless. Someone like Dorian could never understand their struggle – or so Hugo thinks when the pompous duke comes banging at his door. But when Dorian’s broken time-travel watch leads them to discover a sinister scheme, the pair must reconcile their differences if they are to find the culprit in time.

I have been a fan of Lauren James ever since I picked up, The Loneliest Girl in the Universe so when I was given the opportunity to review an early copy of her latest novel The Starlight Watchmaker – I jumped at the chance. Lauren’s novels are brilliant, she brings the Sci-fi genre to the YA market in an exciting way which is completely different to any other YA Sci-fi title I have ever read.

Exploring the friendship and connection between an android called Hugo who spends his days in his attic mending and creating watches for the students to use and a high ranking alien called Dorian. At first an unexpected friendship, the two soon join focuses in order to unravel a sinister scheme that is going on within the Academy.

I loved reading this story, it was absolutely adorable and Hugo was my favourite character. The world of the Academy certainly made me think Star Trek vibes for sure! Although only a novella, Lauren really makes you understand this alternative universe and the purpose of the academy without taking anything away from the story.

The only way that I can actually describe it without spoiling it is that: it is a tale about diversity and the need to see beyond the first glance as by doing that friendships can form in the unlikely places. I completely adored it and will continue to shout about all over social media because I honestly believe that it is a story that so many will enjoy and find valuable!

Have you read this or any other of Lauren’s work? Let me know in the comments!